Originally Posted by
Mattyb13
Badger, you seem to get this stuff a bit better than me. How does my 2015 Expert disc stack against the 2016 Expert and Pro versions? If my Expert is not "obsolete" yet then I may just add some lighter upgrades to it instead of getting an entire new Crosstrail for 2016. Although that silver is sexy. Thanks.
I'd say the only reason I have a bit of knowledge about this right now is that I'm actively thinking about the Crosstrail. That said, my response would be: why on earth would you change out an already-great bike?!?
There's no significant difference between your 15 Expert and the 16 one, other than the latter downgrades the brakes and upgrades the XT drivetrain (to 11 spd). In my opinion, 10 spd XT is already superb; I'm sure 'new' XT is 'better', but is there anything wrong with what you have? I'd just wear it out, then replace when necessary.
The Pro (16) is just different: 1x11 drivetrain, mainly, and cartridge bearings in the wheels. Same brakes as your 15 Expert. If you wanted 1x11, you'd still be ahead simply to buy a new XT 1x11 groupset, rather than switch bikes.
To my mind, though, making one or both of two changes to your present bike would be far, far more noticeable than changing to either '16 bike: better wheels, and better fork (e.g. Rockshox Paragon Gold).